The Rays and the communities surrounding Tropicana Field have been involved in ongoing discussions, which have gone nowhere, to build a new state-of-the-art stadium to house the franchise. Recently, two events occurred which would halt that option:
- In the recent Election, two commissioners were elected who oppose any city monies to be used to build a new ballpark
- Hurricane Milton destroyed The Trop as the roof was blown off, while the field and electric equipment were destroyed
This last event is forcing the team to play at least the 2025 Season in downtown Steinbrenner Field, the New York Yankees’ spring training home and minor league complex. And pay the Yankees $15MM for the privilege.
Steinbrenner Field has a seating capacity of 11,206 and thirteen skyboxes. The Rays’ average attendance in 2024 was 16,515, among the lowest in MLB. So while there are less seats available, it would have a chance to be sold out every game.
But this is not a long-term solution.
In 2023, a group which had been led by Williams said they were hard at work to start looking for a team in Orlando, even if the Rays remain in the Tampa Bay area. According to Front Office Sports, the pitch included a $1.7 billion, 45,000-seat domed stadium “funded in part by $975 million from tourist taxes.”
FOS said the group, which calls the proposed team “The Dreamers,” also “wants to build 1,000 hotel rooms near the stadium.”
Perhaps now is a good time to seriously consider this possibility. The Orlando area is always bustling with tourists and some may even enjoy taking in a family night of baseball. And since 2020, the area has grown tremendously bringing in many who love the game and don’t want to make the trip to Miami or Tampa.
The time is perfect to make a pitch to the Rays, MLB and the City of Orlando to make the Dreamers a reality.
No comments:
Post a Comment